How do I save my game before a stranger mission in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Saving your game before a stranger mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a crucial step to ensure you can retry or explore different outcomes without losing progress. The game features an autosave system, but it’s not always reliable, especially before missions. To manually save, you need to access the game’s pause menu and use the Save Game option. This allows you to create a specific checkpoint before engaging in any mission, including stranger missions, which often have unique consequences or rewards.\n\nTo save your game, press the Options button on PlayStation or the Menu button on Xbox to open the pause menu. Navigate to the Story tab, then select Save Game. You’ll see a list of available save slots. Choose an empty slot or overwrite an existing one to create a new save file. It’s recommended to use multiple save slots to avoid overwriting important progress. For example, you might save in Slot 1 before a mission and Slot 2 after completing it, giving you flexibility to revisit either point.\n\nStranger missions, marked by white question marks on the map, often involve unique characters and unpredictable outcomes. For instance, the mission ''The Smell of the Grease Paint'' in Saint Denis can lead to different rewards depending on your choices. Saving beforehand ensures you can experiment with dialogue options or actions without fear of losing progress. Additionally, some missions may have time-sensitive elements or unexpected challenges, so having a save file ready can save you frustration.\n\nOne common challenge is forgetting to save before a mission, only to realize later that you missed an opportunity or made a poor decision. To avoid this, make it a habit to save whenever you approach a mission marker. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the Quick Save feature by holding down the left D-pad button to bring up the interaction menu, then selecting Camp or Player, followed by Save Game. This method is faster but still provides the same level of security as a manual save.\n\nAnother tip is to save in a safe location before traveling to the mission area. For example, if you’re in Valentine and plan to start a stranger mission in Rhodes, save at your camp or a nearby town. This ensures you’re not caught off guard by random encounters or ambushes on the way. Additionally, saving before missions allows you to test different strategies, such as using stealth or going in guns blazing, without worrying about permanent consequences.\n\nIn summary, saving before a stranger mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a simple yet essential practice. Use the pause menu to manually save or the Quick Save feature for convenience. Always save in a safe location and consider using multiple save slots to preserve different points in your journey. By following these steps, you’ll have greater control over your gameplay experience and can fully explore the rich narrative and choices the game offers.